Bread & Roses - Shelby Township, Michigan

Location: 56258 Van Dyke Ave, Shelby Township, MI 48316

Ratings

• Google Rating: 4.7/5 based on customer reviews
• Yelp Rating: 4.5/5 based on 84 reviews
• Restaurant Guru: 4.7/5 based on 893 reviews
• Resy: Information not available for reservation platform ratings

Cuisine Offered

Bread & Roses specializes in contemporary American breakfast, brunch, and lunch cuisine with a farm-to-table philosophy. Their culinary approach focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and house-made components, elevating classic comfort foods with sophisticated techniques and premium ingredients. The restaurant embodies the philosophy of "bread for all, and roses too" - nourishing both body and soul through carefully crafted dishes that balance wholesome nutrition with culinary artistry.

Dishes and Menu

The menu features an impressive array of breakfast and brunch favorites, including signature French toast made with custard-dipped, thick-cut brioche bread topped with house-made strawberry jam and Michigan maple syrup. Other standout offerings include their Spanish Tortillas and Caprese Omelette, lemon ricotta pancakes with house-made strawberry coulis, and Eggs Benedict. Popular choices also include Funfetti Pancakes, Avocado Toast served on wholesome multigrain bread, and hearty dishes featuring their house-made chorizo. The restaurant offers an extensive selection of gluten-free options clearly marked on the menu, including gluten-free pancakes, sandwiches, and bread. Their beverage program features specialty-grade, sustainably sourced coffees from Thrive Farmers, fresh-squeezed juices, and craft cocktails.

Unique Selling Proposition

What sets Bread & Roses apart is their unwavering commitment to the "bread and roses" philosophy - providing nourishment for both body and soul. They maintain direct relationships with local farmers and utilize sustainable partners like Thrive Market for premium ingredients. Everything is made fresh daily, from their traditional house-made chorizo to their assortment of freshly squeezed juices. The restaurant's farm-to-table approach means seasonal menus that highlight the best local ingredients available, while their extensive gluten-free offerings ensure inclusivity for all dietary needs.

Hot-Selling Items

The restaurant's French Toast consistently ranks as a customer favorite, praised for its perfect balance of flavors and house-made strawberry jam. Eggs Benedict receives rave reviews for its savory richness, while the Funfetti Pancakes have gained a devoted following for their unique twist on a breakfast classic. The house-made strawberry jam and artisan bread have become so popular that customers frequently request them as standalone items. Their Tomato Basil Soup and various specialty omelets also feature prominently among customer favorites.

Owners

Bread & Roses was founded by Val and Arsilda Tinaj. Val Tinaj's journey to restaurant ownership is particularly noteworthy - he was initially pursuing a master's degree in financing with plans for a Wall Street career when he realized that office life and its lack of human interaction weren't suited to his personality. Driven by his love for greeting people and creating community connections, he left his studies to enter the hospitality industry. He first gained experience by purchasing and operating a small delicatessen in Warren before establishing Bread & Roses in Shelby Township. Arsilda Tinaj contributed significantly to the restaurant's concept, including the inspiration for the meaningful "bread and roses" name that reflects the establishment's core philosophy.

Chef

Executive Chef Israel Lona serves as both head chef and restaurant partner, bringing expertise and passion to every dish. Chef Lona works directly with local farmers and suppliers to ensure the highest quality ingredients make their way into the kitchen. His culinary philosophy aligns perfectly with the restaurant's farm-to-table mission, and he personally oversees the creation of house-made items that have become customer favorites. His approach to menu development focuses on reinventing comfort food classics using premium, locally sourced ingredients while maintaining the soul-nourishing aspect that defines the Bread & Roses experience.

Additional Notes

Bread & Roses operates as an independently owned establishment that has quickly become a cornerstone of the Shelby Township dining scene. The restaurant earned "Most Loved on DoorDash!" recognition, highlighting their consistent quality and customer satisfaction. The contemporary casual atmosphere features both indoor and outdoor seating, including a private 38-seat patio perfect for al fresco dining. They offer comprehensive services including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and private event hosting in their beautifully designed bar and dining area. The restaurant maintains strong community ties and emphasizes their role in supporting local farmers and sustainable food practices. Operating hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM daily, making it an ideal destination for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The establishment's commitment to accommodating various dietary restrictions, particularly their extensive gluten-free menu, has earned them recognition in the gluten-free dining community for both safety and variety.